U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)...partnered with U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and John Curtis (R-UT) to introduce bipartisan legislation that expands cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone production.
Introduce legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone production.
Occurrences
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill that would expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone system development and production, as policymakers consider ways to strengthen American national security and support the self-governing island’s efforts to boost its defenses. The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), aims to build an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supply chain free from the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) control.
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill to enhance cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republican US senators Ted Cruz and John Curtis, and Democratic US senators Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim. The legislation seeks to ease constraints on Taiwan-US cooperation in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital and regulatory barriers under US export controls, a news release issued by Cruz on Wednesday said. ... The bill would establish a "Blue UAS Working Group," led by the US departments of state and defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capacity and identify opportunities and obstacles to integrating Taiwan-made components into US defense supply chains. It also calls for the establishment of a cooperative framework with regional allies to develop supply chains independent of China, while directing US agencies to create a fast-track certification process for Taiwanese drone manufacturers and component suppliers.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republicans Ted Cruz and John Curtis and Democrats Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim. The legislation seeks to ease constraints on U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital, and regulatory barriers under U.S. export controls, according to a news release issued by Cruz on Wednesday.
On April 1, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, and Andy Kim introduced the 'Blue Skies for Taiwan Act' to expand Taiwan's drone system capabilities, reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, and strengthen U.S.–Taiwan drone cooperation.
Senators John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, and Andy Kim introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act promotes the development, production, and deployment of secure, resilient UAS to enhance American national security and support the defense and resilience of Taiwan.
On April 1, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, and Andy Kim introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The legislation aims to expand Taiwan's ability to develop drone system components independent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) technology and supply chains. The bill proposes establishing a Blue UAS Working Group, led by the Departments of State and Defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capacity and identify opportunities for integrating Taiwan-manufactured UAS and components into the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program.
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill to enhance cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republican US senators Ted Cruz and John Curtis, and Democratic US senators Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim. The legislation seeks to ease constraints on Taiwan-US cooperation in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital and regulatory barriers under US export controls, a news release issued by Cruz on Wednesday said.
Senators Ted Cruz, John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, and Andy Kim introduced the 'Blue Skies for Taiwan Act' to expand Taiwan's drone system capabilities, reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, and strengthen U.S.–Taiwan drone cooperation.
Senators Ted Cruz, Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, and Andy Kim introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The legislation aims to expand Taiwan's ability to develop drone system components independent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) technology and supply chains. The bill proposes establishing a Blue UAS Working Group, led by the Departments of State and Defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capacity and identify opportunities for integrating Taiwan-manufactured UAS and components into the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republicans Ted Cruz and John Curtis and Democrats Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim.
Senators John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, and Andy Kim introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill to enhance cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republican US senators Ted Cruz and John Curtis, and Democratic US senators Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim. The legislation seeks to ease constraints on Taiwan-US cooperation in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital and regulatory barriers under US export controls...
S.4125 — Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced on April 1, 2026, by Senators Curtis, Merkley, Cruz, and Kim. The bill aims to fortify the United States’ partnership with Taiwan by establishing mechanisms for bilateral collaboration in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supply chains, specifically to reduce reliance on PRC-controlled technologies and promote secure drone development.
Evidence
On April 1, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, and Andy Kim introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The legislation aims to expand Taiwan's ability to develop drone system components independent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) technology and supply chains. The bill proposes establishing a Blue UAS Working Group, led by the Departments of State and Defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capacity and identify opportunities for integrating Taiwan-manufactured UAS and components into the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Ted Cruz, introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 to enhance cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The bill seeks to ease constraints on U.S.–Taiwan cooperation in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital, and regulatory barriers under U.S. export controls.
On April 1, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, and Andy Kim introduced the 'Blue Skies for Taiwan Act' to expand Taiwan's drone system capabilities, reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, and strengthen U.S.–Taiwan drone cooperation. The bill proposes creating a Blue UAS Working Group, led by the State Department and the Department of Defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capabilities and identify opportunities to include Taiwan-made drones in the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program.
A bipartisan group of senators, including Ted Cruz, introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone system development and production. The legislation aims to build an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supply chain free from the Chinese Communist Party's control.
On April 1, 2026, Senators John Curtis, Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, and Andy Kim introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act promotes the development, production, and deployment of secure, resilient UAS to enhance American national security and support the defense and resilience of Taiwan.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Ted Cruz, introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China. The legislation seeks to ease constraints on U.S.–Taiwan cooperation in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital, and regulatory barriers under U.S. export controls.
S.4125 — Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced on April 1, 2026, by Senators Curtis, Merkley, Cruz, and Kim. The bill aims to fortify the United States’ partnership with Taiwan by establishing mechanisms for bilateral collaboration in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supply chains, specifically to reduce reliance on PRC-controlled technologies and promote secure drone development.
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Curtis) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The bill's short title is Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, and its full title says it is to promote the development, production, and deployment of secure and resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance United States national security and support the defense and resilience of Taiwan.
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, and Andy Kim introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The legislation expands Taiwan's ability to develop drone system components that do not rely on technology or supply chains potentially compromised by the Chinese Communist Party and deepens U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development.
Assessments
Sen. Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 (introduced April 1, 2026; listed on Congress.gov and in congressional records and press releases) to expand U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems/drone production and supply chains. The bill sponsorship and official texts directly match the promised action of introducing legislation.
Ted Cruz was a sitting U.S. senator when he co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 on April 1, 2026. The bill directly matches the promise because it proposes expanded U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems, including drone production, components, supply chains, and development capacity. Since the promise was specifically to introduce legislation, introduction itself fulfills the outcome in the same federal term.
Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 during his current Senate term. The bill directly matches the promise because it would expand U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems and drone production, including secure supply chains and Taiwan-made UAS components. Because the promise was specifically to introduce legislation, not to enact it, introduction of the bill is enough for full delivery.
Multiple credible sources confirm that Senator Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, which directly addresses the campaign promise to expand U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in drone production. The evidence shows legislative introduction and intent aligning with the promise, delivered within the same term.
Multiple credible sources confirm that Senator Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 during the same term, directly fulfilling the promise to introduce legislation expanding U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in drone production. The bill specifically addresses the creation of an unmanned aerial systems supply chain between the U.S. and Taiwan, reduction of reliance on China, and formal mechanisms to evaluate and promote collaboration. Thus, the campaign promise has been delivered within the specified timeframe.
Multiple reputable secondary sources confirm that Senator Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act in 2026, which directly aimed to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone production. The action matches the specificity and intent of the campaign promise, and the legislation was introduced during the same Senate term. Thus, the promise to introduce relevant legislation was fulfilled.
Multiple credible sources confirm that Senator Ted Cruz co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, specifically to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in drone production. The details align directly with the campaign promise, and the legislative action occurred within the same term. Therefore, the promise was fully delivered through substantial legislative effort.